Yesterday, Peter had his last John Lyman field trip. It felt like a right of passage for both of us. For him, it marks the end of his elementary years and for me, it brings nostalgia of so many people that I truly care for. We went to the Bronx zoo. It isn’t until things are gone that you realized what you have missed. I spent 4 years studying across the street at Fordham University. Wednesdays were free days at the zoo, so I would often go for runs through the paths surrounded by exotic wildlife. Back then, I would enjoy a glance at the giraffes, or the lions up on the great hill, but it wasn’t until I got into photography that I would truly appreciate this amazing place. I now get Jane Goodall, the woman who found herself living among the great gorillas who could never seem to part from them. I didn’t have her luxury of time as I was ushered by two boys from one exhibit to another. It was fascinating to see how creatures of the animal world share so many of our own traits minus the issues of self-consciousness(see prostate exam below). The Gorillas entertained their human counterparts that were glued to the plexiglass watching them romp around. Seeing their hands, facial expressions and human-like gestures made you feel like you were looking in the mirror. The longer you stayed to watch, the more you felt connected. Colorful birds, elephants, wild dogs and snakes were all part of the menagerie and I left feeling we had only touched the surface. I will go back someday armed with a tripod. As I am happy that the plexiglass kept the humans from being eaten, I wish we had no barriers so I could get a clean shot. How lucky are we to have a jungle of animals among the urban jungle of Fordham Road. How lucky Peter was to have enjoyed the experience with his best friends. I really can’t wait to go back someday.
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